Iwalewa IV

Hello! Glad to have you here today! I hope that you've been enjoying Iwalewa thus far. If you haven't read Iwalewa I, Iwalewa II, or Iwalewa III yet please do so!

Now enjoy Iwalewa  IV!

                               *****

The appointed time had finally come, after four long years it was finally here! Graduation day! June 19, 2008 was a good day for me, another chapter closed. I was definitely looking forward to opening a new chapter. I felt that going away for college would give me a fresh start in life. My mom was overjoyed, she had on the biggest gele (African head tie/head gear) in the auditorium. She was all smiles, she invited all our family and friends to witness her only daughter's graduation from high school. I was only given 5 graduation tickets, I'm not sure how the other 10 guests got into the auditorium. But then again Nigerians always have their way of doing things.

It was my turn to be called onto the stage to receive my diploma, I stood smiling from ear to ear, proud of all that I had accomplished despite what I've been through. I-WA-LE-WA O-NI, surprisingly my name was pronounced correctly. My family and friends took over the auditorium with their loud chants and screaming, mommy being the loudest "Eledami o ma se o, Modupe! Jesu seun!" (My creator thank you, I am grateful. Thank you Jesus!). She said all this while on both knees, to say that I was embarrassed is an understatement. But I just laughed it off. I proudly posed for all the cameras with my diploma in my hands. I made it!

The rest of the day went on well, I made up my mind to enjoy the moment. I deserved it! After the graduation ceremony, we had a get together at my house. There was food for days, jollof rice, fried rice, efo riro, egusi, pounded yam, asaro, plantain, buka stew, fried fish, fried chicken, beef...you know the Nigerian staples. Surprisingly my appetite was back for the day and I indulged while entertaining guests. Mommy went all out. We even had a DJ. I had a great time, I got to spend time with family and friends that I hadn't seen in a long time. 

By 9pm, it was a wrap! Everyone said their goodbyes and it was cleanup time. My siblings were in the basement playing video games and gisting. That left mommy and I to do the cleaning. I started by picking up deserted plates and cups in the living room, mom started in the kitchen. Our paths crossed when I was about to toss the items into the trash, she was about to open the fridge and place leftovers in it. She stopped and smiled at me, she looked deep into my eyes.

"Iwalewa"

I tossed the items into the trash.

"Yes mommy"

"Do you know how much I love you, you make me proud."

I blushed "Ohhh mommy stop! Why are you being mushy?"

"Look at me Iwalewa, I'm serious"

I lifted my chin slowly.

"You are dear to my heart, you're the apple of my eye."

I nodded as our eyes stayed united.

"I prayed for you and God surpassed my expectations, I admire your strength and I know that your future is bright no matter what the enemy has tried he can't stop your destiny, you will fulfill your purpose. It's a great purpose and I always pray that God will open your eyes to see it."

I got emotional, I don't know where the tears came from but there was a small piece of me that believed every word that she spoke. After so many months, I actually felt hopeful.

"As you go away to school, remember the child of whom you are. Don't mix with the wrong people. Protect your destiny, I'm always praying for you."

She reached out to me and I did the same, she embraced me. I felt at peace and secure in her arms. We hugged for about 2 minutes all the while tears were rolling down the sides of both of our cheeks. 

Before letting go, she whispered into my ears "I love you Iwaoluwalewa"

I responded, "I love you too mommy."

She placed a soft kiss on my left cheek and then did the same on the right one.

We went about our business and the house was cleaned within 30 minutes. I was exhausted, it had been a long day. I hopped into the shower and laid on my bed afterwards. I thought about all mommy had said and wondered if she was sure of what she said. There was something about her, she spoke with so much confidence and conviction. The conversation replayed over and over in my mind until I fell asleep. 

"It's a great purpose and I always pray that God will open your eyes to see it."

"I admire your strength and I know that your future is bright no matter what the enemy has tried he can't stop your destiny."

"Protect your destiny"

You're blessed!


- Bunmi


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